JP4874042B2 - Image forming apparatus having user interface for providing tactile feedback - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention generally relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a fax machine, or a copier, and more particularly to a tactile interface for a user to input a command to the image forming apparatus.

Printers, copiers, facsimile and an image forming apparatus such as a multi-function device incorporating two or more top of these functions are increasingly complex as functionality they provide increases. In some of these devices, the operator selects from a menu using a touch screen or keyboard. Menus are often displayed on the screen and the display changes when the user selects another mode.

Operating such a device requires a considerable amount of manual dexterity and visual acuity. This may limit the accessibility of such devices to the physically handicapped or visually impaired or blind. In many cases, learning to use such a device is time consuming for all users. Furthermore, designing keyboards for such systems has become increasingly difficult due to the limited space for keys in many cases.

Aspects of the present invention relate to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method. In one embodiment, the image forming apparatus includes a processing component that receives the images, an image processing apparatus to communicate with a processing device for processing an image supplied by the processing component, for processing an image A tactile interface that communicates with the processing component to input commands from the user to the processing component and output feedback from the processing component to the user as tactile feedback.

In this example of the image forming apparatus, the image processing apparatus print engine, fax modems, and may include at least one of e-mail processing configuration elements connected to the Internet. The image processing apparatus may include at least one printing engine configured to print an image by applying a printing ink to the printing medium.

Image forming apparatus, a selected one of a plurality of print media types, may be accommodated portion further comprises a housing the printing medium supplied to the print engine in response to a user command input to the haptic interface.

Processing component may include an interface processor and image processing components, the interface processor converts the signals from the haptic interface recognizable format by an image processor.

The image forming apparatus may further include a device for storing digital images in communication with the image processing component for supplying an image to be processed in the image processing component.

Haptic interface detects the movement of operable member and the manipulation capable member may include a sensor configured to output a sensor signal associated with movement of the operable member. The haptic interface includes an actuator in communication with the processing component, and the actuator is coupled to an operable member to provide haptic feedback.

The image processing apparatus, a print engine, fax modems, and may include the e-mail processing components, operable member, print function, e-mail function, and at least in order to select one of the fax function It may be movable in one predetermined pattern, the tactile feedback will vary depending on whether any of those functions is selected.

Tactile feedback, vibration, the spring force, click, torque variation, pulse, and may include at least one of attenuated in the resistance of the operating member.

Haptic interface has access to a menu command, the tactile feedback may indicate the level of the menu being accessed.

Processing component may be linked to a second processing element at a remote position, whereby experts provides feedback to assist the user in troubleshooting, this feedback, the haptic interface as tactile feedback Provided.

In another embodiment, the image forming apparatus includes a supplying the images to the processing component, and entering commands selected by the user to process images in haptic interface. The haptic interface communicates with the processing component. The method further includes outputting feedback from the processing component to the user as haptic feedback to the haptic interface. Haptic feedback includes a force indicating the command selected by the user. Image is processed using an image processing apparatus in communication with the processing component in accordance with the command selected by the user.

In the above image forming method, input of a command selected by the user may include operating the operable member.

The image processing may include that you printed with the printing ink to the printing medium.

Image forming output feedback may further include a tactile feedback indicating that it can not execute the image processing apparatus is selected by the user command.

Input command selected by the user, the print function of the image forming apparatus, e-mail, and may include operating the operating member to select from fax modem.

In the image forming method, when the printing mode is selected, the method, the paper characteristics, image characteristics, and operating the operable member for selecting from a plurality of sub-modes comprising two or more top of the copy number it may involve.

In the image forming method, when the sheet characteristic sub mode is selected, the method may include manipulating the the manipulation capable member to select from the paper size and paper quality, image characteristics submode is selected that the brightness, color, and enlarge or reduce the image size may include a operating the operation member to select.

In another aspect, an image forming apparatus includes an image input device, a processing component that receives an image to be processed from the image input device, a printing device for printing the image on a print medium, and a method for processing the image It includes a haptic interface in communication with the processing component that inputs commands selected by the user into the processing component and outputs feedback from the processing component to the user as haptic feedback.

In the image forming apparatus, an image input device may include a scanner.

Aspects of the invention relate to a haptic interface for an image forming apparatus and a method of operating an image forming apparatus that uses the haptic interface for command selection. The image forming apparatus Ri Kotogaa including a printer and / or copier, or further includes a facsimile and / or e-mail system, if it is also be multifunctional apparatus includes a scanner there is, or, even less It may be another multi-function machine with functions or more functions. Haptic interface supplies the position input to the image forming apparatus is configured to provide feedback sense touch the user of the image forming apparatus. In one aspect of the exemplary embodiment, the haptic interface includes an operable member that takes the form of an operating knob. In use, the haptic interface provides a physical sensation to the user operating the knob. The user can associate the change and the sense corresponding to the selected functions and settings of the image forming apparatus to each other. In the example the express forms of embodiment, the actuator is coupled to the operation knob, is connected to a processing component such as a microprocessor. Microprocessor receives the knob position signal and knobs direction signal from the knob sensor. Further, the microprocessor transmits the appropriate haptic feedback control signal to the actuators so as to provide a force actuators are on the operation knob. In this way, vibration can be output spring force, click, torque fluctuations, the pulse attenuation, or various programmable organoleptic combinations thereof or the like (feel sensations) to the knob. For Runoka generates another example and tactile feedback How does the type of haptic feedback can be provided, for example, Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, Patent Document 3, Patent Document 4, Patent Document 5, and Patent Document 6 Explained . Microprocessor may be a separate part of the central processing unit images forming device, or from it.
US Pat. No. 5,734,373 US Pat. No. 6,147,674 US Pat. No. 6,154,201 US Pat. No. 6,128,006 US Pat. No. 6,636,197 US Pat. No. 6,838,851 where the tactile interface is described with particular reference to an operating knob, such as a joystick, a mouse controller and a tactile pen (usually a device used in combination with a touch screen). Other operable members are also contemplated.

The haptic interface is particularly user and blind user visually impaired, print a document, that copy multiple scans, faxing, and availability to the e-mail to the image forming apparatus such as a function Can be improved. The haptic interface can provide an alternative or improved version of the traditional touch screen user interface. In one embodiment, a user trained, without reference to other visual indicators or audible indicators can be distinguished and settings selected mode. In another aspect, the screen and / or audible indicator may allow the user to verify the selection being made or provide feedback when the user makes an unacceptable selection. Haptic interface is easily used, printed using the functions that are easily programmed, may be used to simplify the copying job. It can smooth the learning curve of new users. Once the user rotates and get used to the operation of the haptic interface descending like, this knowledge can be easily performed control of the other image forming apparatuses with touch-sensitive interface. The compact design of the antennae interface, can reduce the size of the control panel on the image forming apparatus. Interface without the need to modify the physical design of the haptic interface, by modifying the software, can be used in a variety of different image forming apparatus having various functionality. Additional functions can be programmed into the image forming apparatus without the need to modify the physical layout of the control panel. Once the user gets used to the interface, the operation will be performed faster and more accurately than when relying solely on visual feedback.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an image forming apparatus such as a printer, copier, fax, or multifunction printer such as a multifunction printer and copier or multifunction printer / copier / fax is shown. System 10 includes a haptic interface 14, a control panel 12 including Deisupurei 16. In the embodiment illustrated, the haptic interface 14, an operable member 18 in the form of the operation knob mounted for out accessible outside panel 20 or we butt forming the upper surface of the housing of the image forming apparatus Including. Control panel 12 may be placed adjacent to the document feed 22 for convenient document scanning device 23.

The operation knob 18 is operated by the user in order to control various functions of the image forming apparatus 10. In the illustrated embodiment, haptic interface, through operation of the operation knob 18, used copy mode, from a plurality of modes of selection of fax transmission mode and e-mail mode to select the mode of the image forming apparatus. Within each mode may be used to haptic interface to select a special variety of functions in that mode. For example, in the case of copy mode, the control knob 18 can be used for paper properties such as paper size (eg, letter size and A4 paper) and paper (eg, copy paper, bond paper, paper with letterhead or color paper). quality, brightness, image characteristics of a color such as enlargement or reduction of an image size, and may be operated to select one or more of the copy number. In fax mode, the user is to enter a fax number, you may select one or more of whether acknowledgment recipients of及beauty off Akusu is required. In fax mode, the user inputs the e-mail address, notification receiver for the sender, and may select one or more of the copy number. A wide variety of other functions may also be provided by the haptic interface 14.

Purely mechanical switches, unlike encoder, and other control devices, haptic interface 14 is a bidirectional channel for communication between the user and the one or more processing components of the image forming apparatus. Mechanical movement of the haptic interface 14 applied by Yu chromatography The is converted into an electrical signal that is used by the image forming apparatus 10 in controlling the selected function.

The illustrated display 16 is coupled to and located adjacent to the haptic interface 14. Display 16 shows the information regarding available functions to the image forming apparatus and selected by the user. For example, mode 24, which mode or can use the equipment, or the currently selected can be displayed to indicate what is adjusted through the operation knob 18. Such a mode 24 is "fax", "copy", may also contains do the "e-mail", and the like. Information regarding additional functionality of the device, such as a list of items that the user can select by operating the control knob 14, can also be displayed. Thus, selecting a mode may further present a menu of sub-modes 26 corresponding to the various functional options available within that mode. Alternatively, each of the Function may also possess additional selectable options such as a set value for that function. Level number and device of would be may vary depending on the number of modes and features to be addressed is understood. In the illustrated embodiment, the haptic interface 14 controls all of the functions selectable by the user of the image forming apparatus 10 except for the power controlled by the on-off switch 28. However, in some embodiments, modes and functions that conventional buttons, knobs, etc. are controllable to control some of the user-selectable modes and functions of the image forming apparatus, or even with the control knob 14. it may be used to provide an alternative method for controlling some or all.

  Display 16 may be any suitable display device, such as an LED display, LCD display, gas plasma display, CRT, or other device. In some embodiments, the display 16 allows the user to “touch” images that are displayed directly on the surface of the display 16 and select those images and associated settings or functions. May include a touch sensitive surface.

In FIG. 2, the manipulable member 18 comprises a generally cylindrical button with an upper surface 30, a jagged circumferential surface 32 depending from it, and a peripheral plate 34 extending radially from the lower end of the circumferential surface. It is drawn as a thing. The member 18, the user, in order to operate the functions and settings of the image forming apparatus 10, it is possible to operate the haptic interface 14 with the palm or fingers. Member 18 on its surface 32, ridges, lines or other grip, or may have a variety of different textures, including a protrusion that extends therefrom. Other suitable manipulable objects that can be engaged by the user are also conceivable, such as those having cones, spheres, dials, legislative systems, rods and the like. Exemplary operating knobs are described , for example, in US Pat. Nos. 6,636,197, 6,838,851, and 5,734,373. Furthermore, for a particular user, member 18 is arranged for operation with another part of the user's body, such as a foot or arm, and / or may be configured.

Member 18 which is shown, extend out from the knob as indicated by arrow 35, rotates in a single rotational degree of freedom about the axis. User, the circumferential surface 32 of the member 18, it rather it may also be grasped to desired amount rotated, or may contact otherwise. The member 18 may optionally have one or more “transverse directions” in a direction in a plane perpendicular to the axis, by pressure on an appropriate portion of the circumferential surface 32, as indicated by the top surface 30 of the member and by the arrow 40. by pressing in "or" lateral "movement, the shaft may be further moved in a direction along the as indicated by arrow 36. Operation knob 18, once the user releases the knob, that is, when the stop of applying a sufficient force for the knob may be the spring-loaded so that the knob returns to the rest position centered .

An example of a menu tree 50 that is accessible via operation of the haptic interface 14 is shown in simplified form in FIG. The menu tree is accessed through a defined operation of the haptic interface 14. Menu options may be displayed on the screen 16, changing the user turtles New Tree 50 Te proceeds Munitsure. For example, when going from the menu start (step S100), the user rotates the copy mode, the facsimile mode and e-mail mode, and a knob 14 to select the other mode (step S102) as an option. Each mode may be associated with a tactile feedback is a click or other sensory example. For example, knobs 14 until the first click is felt is rotated, indicating to the user that the location copy function can be selected. Second click feeling is until in knob is rotated, a like indicating that a position off Akusu function is selected. User may select the mode by the pressing the knob in the direction of arrow 36 (step S104). To indicate the end of the list, sensations preventing rotation of the knob may be provided. Once a mode is selected in this manner, the screen 16 changes to show additional options that can be used in the selected mode. For example, if the user selects the copy mode, the user rotates the knob 14, then press the paper, color printing or monochrome printing, may be selected from the number of copies, and enlargement / reduction function (step S106). Each of these sub-modes, the paper size can be selected to similar, it may have an additional mode of such as paper quality (step 108).

User, in order to be able to distinguish between the modes and / or sub-mode, the feedback sense may be different. For example, when the user is in the copy mode, the available sub-mode may be identifiable by the force felt by the rotation is small decline increased to whether et up. A change from increasing force to decreasing force indicates a transition to a new menu. The first peak may indicate that the paper option submode can be entered by pressing the knob now, the color printing / black printing submode may correspond to the second peak, and so on . There may be various types of increase / decrease when the force felt by rotation increases to the maximum and then decreases . When the user is in a fax mode, when the knob is rotated, for example, a set period of time followed by a sine wave, the feedback feeling of a different set of such cyclic vibration, such as a square wave or a triangular wave, may be provided. Sense of another type is the like may be provided when the user is in the e-mail mode. The combination of haptic feedback effects may be used to extend the range of the feedback sensations available for modes and submodes. Sense of roughness may be used to convey the feel of the surface associated with navigation of a particular mode. It can also be used to indicate recommended routes in menus such as default settings. Speed direction or increase or decrease in the force feedback may be used to indicate the preferred route.

To return to a higher level in the menu tree, the user may perform a good rather, or another shift operation of a given mode by pressing the member 18. Once the user has selected all the desired options, in step S110, the user moves on the control knob 18 of the haptic interface , such as using a lateral movement by pressing the knob in one of the arrows 40. The printing is selected by executing the predetermined operation.

In one aspect, the haptic interface 14 converts the input in a non-linear fashion or dynamically. In this way, for example, by the angular rotation of the operation knob, fine control and rough control in the mode can be performed according to the angular position of the operation knob. If available option is a limited number, for example, from 2 of 5, the operation knob 18 angular rotation child and及 beauty it is associated feedback in a can, distinguished without the need mode / sub mode the user refers to the screen May be enough to do. Furthermore in some cases a lot of number of options, other selection methods may be provided, such as a non-linear options. For example, when the user is in the copy number mode, for example, rotation at different speed of the high speed or the like, from a mode in which a small number of copies of the 5 like 1 is selected, because the more the number is shifted to a mode that can be selected it may be used. For example, the user may click or other feedback associated with the form of sensory may rotate slowly the knob to select the number of copies from 5 parts to 1 part. The user 10 parts from 6 parts of the first click, a further or the like be rotating the knob at a high speed in order to select the 20 parts from 11 parts of the second click. Next, the user decelerates the rotational speed to select the number of copies from 6, 7, 8, 9 , 10, and so on.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the haptic interface 14 includes a support mechanism 60 that responds to movement of the manipulable member 18. The support mechanism 60 may include some or all of the components required for rotational, transverse, and pushing and / or pulling movements of the member 18 and any or all of these degrees of freedom of the member. Can include tactile feedback. Support mechanism 60 supports member 18 with respect to the origin while allowing multiple degrees of freedom for movement of member 18 with respect to the origin. An example of such a mechanism 60 is shown in FIG. 2 of US Pat. No. 6,636,197. However, it will be understood that the support mechanism 60 is not limited to such a configuration.

A sensor 62 associated with the support mechanism 60 senses the position, movement, and / or other characteristics of the control knob 18 along one or more degrees of freedom and provides a signal including information representative of those characteristics. In the embodiment described above, the processing components of the image forming apparatus including the interface processor 64 and the image processor 68 are provided. Sensor 62 digital sensor may be a mechanical sensor or an optical sensor. Examples of suitable sensors include optical encoders, analog sensors such as potentiometers, Hall effect magnetic sensors, optical sensors such as side effect photodiodes, tachometers and accelerometers. Furthermore, it may be used both absolute sensors and relative sensors. Typically, a sensor is provided for each degree of freedom along which member 18 can move, or a single composite sensor can be used for multiple degrees of freedom.

One or more actuators 66 is coupled to the haptic interface 14 in order to provide resistance to movement of the member 18 along one or more of the degrees of freedom in order to provide a click or other tactile feedback. The actuator 66, through the motor or mechanism 60 may be other forces application device acting directly or indirectly part material 18. The actuator 66 may be an active actuator such as a linear current control motor, a stepping motor, a pneumatic / hydraulic active actuator, a torquer (motor with a limited angle range), a voice coil actuator, or the like. Passive actuators including magnetic powder brakes, friction brakes, or pneumatic / hydraulic passive actuators can also be used to create resistance or friction that decays with the degree of motion. A drive mechanism (not shown) such as a belt drive, gear drive or capstan drive can be used to provide a mechanical advantage to the force output by the actuator 66.

The sensor 62 of the support mechanism 60 communicates with the interface processor 64. The interface processor may serve as an interface between the haptic interface 14 and the image processing component 68 of the image forming apparatus. Although the processor 64 and 68 are depicted as separate components, central processing component may incorporate instead a function of the interface processor 64 and the image processor 68. Alternatively, the processing components 64, 68 of the image forming apparatus may be distributed throughout the device. The illustrated interface processor 64 includes an optional sensor interface 70 and an interface card 72. The sensor interface 70 receives the sensed signals from the mechanism sensor 62 and converts them into signals corresponding to the position or movement of the haptic interface. The interface card 72 translates these signals into commands understood by the image processor 68, such as a command to use plain paper and a color print engine for the associated copy job. Interface card 72 may be a processing component that is compatible configured to provide those commands that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 10 in a machine readable format understood by the image processor 68. In this way, other components of the haptic interface 14及beauty interface processor 72 may be common to the corresponding components used in a variety of different image forming apparatus haptic interface are applicable. Interface card 72, a command when they are received, and communicates with the screen 16 to display the next set of selectable options. The interface card 72 communicates with the actuator 66 to provide a tactile feedback corresponding to the selected commands to the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 66 is also conceivable that may act directly on the member 18, the actuator 66 acts on a mechanical support 60.

Interface card 72 receives a command from the image processor 68 may decode. For example, in the image forming apparatus 10, when the user gasping for certain types of paper selected through the interface 14, the image processor 68 to alert that the selected was not accepted by the user, for example, members Signaled as a command to interface card 72 which may provide tactile feedback in the form of 18 vibrations . Interface card 72, describes the Yu over The selection of the problem, "added the paper" (ADD PAPER or "select an alternate paper" (SELECT ALTERNATIVE PAPER) visible message on the screen to propose an alternative, such as the in the screen 16 and the may communicate .e mail mode or fax mode case is displayed, vibration or other tactile feedback, to warn that the full Akusu or e-mail does not lead to the recipient user it may be used.

For users with visual impairments, sound output from the sound interface 76 that is coupled to the interface processor 64 to provide an audible message to supplement the tactile feedback, or reinforced, in addition to the screen 16, or it may be used in place of the screen 16.

Interface processor may include a memory 78 for storing a plurality of command routines. Certain of the command routines are executed in response to specific commands received from the image processor 68. Command routine may include a force routine that causes resistance to movement of the actuator 66 and / or the member 18 along one or more of its available degrees of freedom mechanism 60.

Other input devices (not shown) can be included for transmitting input signals to the interface processor 64. Such input devices may include buttons or other control mechanisms are used to fine or Ku input to the image forming apparatus is controlled from the panel 12. Further, dial, switch, in order to provide input to the (e.g. interfaced such as a microphone with the software is realized by the processor) speech recognition hardware or other input mechanisms are also the interface processor 64 or actuators 66, Can be included. A deadman switch (not shown) is used to stop feedback output when the user is not in contact with the member, for example, to prevent the member 18 from turning freely when the user is not touching it. Can be included on or near the member 18. The contact of the user's finger (finger, thumb, etc.) with the member 18 can be detected as a pressure on the member 18, for example.

Communication between the haptic interface 14 and the interface processor 64 and between the interface processor and the image processor 68 may be via wired or wireless connections 80, 82, 84, respectively.

The image forming apparatus 10 includes an imaging component 90 including the functional components of the image forming apparatus 10 may include an image processor 68 also. Functional components may include an image input device such as a scanner 23 and / or a connection to a computer network 94 or single computer through which images to be processed (printed, copied, faxed or emailed) are received. is there. The image processor 68 to convert the image input by the scanned or otherwise, into a form that can be output by the image processing apparatus, the print engine 96 (or print / copy), fax for outputting as fax A modem 98 or a conventional processing system such as an email processing system 100 connected to an Internet provider network for sending as email is used. The print function, copy function, fax function, or e-mail function is executed according to a user command provided via the haptic interface 14. The illustrated imaging component 90 also includes a print medium or paper storage 102 that supplies paper or other sheet material to be marked to the print engine 96. Sheet accommodating section 102, respectively, copying paper, bond paper, and may include a number of trays containing different types of print medium of paper or the like with a letterhead. In response to a user selection of one of these paper types for the print job, the image processor 68 instructs the paper source 102 to supply the selected print media to the print engine 96. The print engine 96 xerographic print engine, an ink jet printer may be a thermal printer or the like. For example, one for color marking, and monochrome (black) one for marking the like, the print engine 96 on 2 Tai以 may be provided. An output module 104, such as a paper tray or other finishing device such as a stapler, binder, etc., outputs the finished document. Conveyor system the paper accommodating section, for transporting sheets between the printing engine, and an output module.

Fax, e-mail function, and an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions of the printing function and the like may be utilized with the exemplary haptic interface 14. Such systems are described, for example, in US Pat. Nos. 5,872,569, 6,438,574, and US Published Patent Application No. 2005/0138065.

In addition to being used to control the normal operation of the image forming apparatus, the haptic interface may be used for troubleshooting when a fault of the image forming apparatus is generated. Through a link such as a telephone line or wireless connection to a remotely located specialist, the haptic interface identifies problems with the imaging device and provides feedback to the user in accomplishing repair or maintenance of the imaging device it may be used. For example, the user may use the haptic interface to select the location that is close to the nature of the menu tree issues or problems are occurring. Experts can use the appropriate processing components of a computer or the like to be linked by telephone line or other data transfer link to the interface processor 64 of the images forming apparatus, whereby the parts in question repair, removal, Or tactile feedback to assist with other actions taken ( tactile feedback could be used to indicate how much force is used to remove the part in question ) and / or other forms of feedback Provide feedback to users.

1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a tactile interface and a screen of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. 2 is an exemplary selectable mode assembly tree for the image forming apparatus of FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus incorporating a control system suitable for use with the haptic interface of FIG.

10 The image forming apparatus 14 tactile-in data face 16 Deisupurei 18 operation knob 62 sensor 64 interfaces the processor 68 image processor

Claims (4)

Receive images, a processing component that command is input for processing the image in accordance with the menu tree composed of a plurality of modes and the plurality of sub-modes for each said mode
An image processing device in communication with the processing component to process an image supplied by the processing component;
At the time of rotation for assigning a tactile feedback to a user at a position corresponding to the designation of the plurality of modes and the plurality of sub modes, determining the mode and the sub mode by being pressed, and designating the sub mode. An operation member comprising a knob for providing a user with different tactile feedback for each of the different modes; and a sensor configured to detect movement of the operation member and output a sensor signal associated with the movement of the operation member; the provided, command the input to order the processing component for processing the image from a user, and Yuzai interface that communicates with the processing component,
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image processing apparatus includes a print engine, a fax modem, and an email processing component;
The mode includes a print function, an e-mail function, and a fax function ,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the knob provides a tactile feedback that is different for each different mode to the user during rotation for designating a sub-mode for each of a printing function, an e-mail function, and a fax function . And providing the images to the processing component,
An operating member including a knob, to detect the movement of the operating member, to process the image using Yuzai interface; and a sensor configured to output a sensor signal associated with the movement of said operating member and the user by entering the command in accordance with a plurality of menu tree consisting of sub-mode of a plurality of modes and the mode for each selected, the previous listening interface to communicate with the processing components to,
Providing tactile feedback to a user at a position where the knob corresponds to designation of the plurality of modes, and determining the designated mode by pressing the knob;
Different tactile feedback is given to the user for each of the different modes when the knob is rotated to designate a submode, and tactile feedback is given to the user at a position corresponding to the designation of the plurality of submodes. Determining the sub-mode that has been made by pressing the knob;
And processing the image using the image processing device in communication with the processing component in accordance with the selected command by the previous SL user,
An image forming method comprising: The image processing apparatus includes a print engine, a fax modem, and an email processing component;
The mode includes a print function, an e-mail function, and a fax function,
Giving a different feel for each of the plurality of modes when the knob is rotated to designate a sub mode means that when the knob is rotated to designate a sub mode for each of a print function, an email function, and a fax function, Further providing the user with different haptic feedback for each different mode,
The image forming method according to claim 3.

Images